Rita Mae Smith, age 82 of Sanford, formerly of Wilmington, NC, passed away on Tuesday (11/4/2025) at Sanford Health and Rehab.  She was born on May 19, 1943 in  Ute, Iowa,   daughter of the late Fred Rank and Bertha Laubscher Rank.    She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Fletcher Smith.  Rita was a loving mother, and grandmother, who enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  She was a travel agent for many years and traveled around the world.  She loved a good meal, good desserts, and a Nebraska football game.  She loved all animals, especially her dog, Rocky.  A celebration of her life will be held at a later date in Omaha, Nebraska.  She is survived by her daughter, Tracy Harter Lett and husband Terry of Sanford, NC; sons, Todd Harter and wife Tammy and Trent Harter of Omaha, Nebraska; step-daughter, Tammy Wetherington and husband Robby of Virginia; sister, Jeanette McCullough of Iowa; brother, Bob Rank and wife Evelyn of Iowa; grandchildren, Jake Harter, Andrea Harter, Tobias Harter (Samantha), Tia Harter (Seth), TJ Lett (Madison), Tessa Lett (Anthony) Tim Lett, and Tinsley Lett; step-grandchildren, Lauren Brunais, Saran Wetherington and Brynn Creech; five great-grandchildren and special friends, Audrey Hulsey of Omaha, NE, Jodi Truman and Pam Ardell of Wilmington, NC.   Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com Arrangements are by Smith Funeral Home, Broadway Inc.